Stephen Bird
Sonographer – Benson Radiology
AMS, AMS (Vascular), DMU, DMU (Vascular), MMedSon
A general sonographer with 25 years clinical experience, Stephen has a strong commitment to advancing ultrasound education. In 2002 Stephen received the ASA Pru Pratten Memorial Sonographer Achievement Award and in 2008 he was made an Honorary Fellow of ASUM.
Learn more about Stephen Bird's online courses and webinars.
This case features a retired 75-year-old female with a history of physically demanding employment. The patient presented with chronic lateral elbow pain that was unresponsive to oral anti-inflammatory treatment and an unguided steroid injection.
An ultrasound examination was performed on the Canon Medial Aplio a550 using a high frequency linear transducer (18L7).
Long axis imaging of the patients CEO clearly demonstrates joint fluid flowing freely between the radial head and humeral capitellum (Figure 1). The retracted free end of the RCL is visualised hanging like a tear drop of echogenic collagen into the synovial fluid. The length of the joint capsule defect can be estimated by measuring the distance between the retracted ‘tear drop’ end of the RCL at its normal original location on the lateral epicondyle (Figure 2).
© Canon Medical Systems ANZ Pty Limited.
© Canon Medical Systems ANZ Pty Limited.